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offered folder, and began scanning the images. Jance slid the new scan in alongside a scan of the same area, only dated two months earlier.
    Warmake looked them over, closely. Then triple checked the date codes. “They're identical. Right down to the wave positions.” he walked over to a console and pressed a button. “Scanning section, please.”
    “Planetary Surveillance, how can we help you?” a voice said.
    “Good evening. This is Task Commander Warmake of Argassi APC. I recently requested a scan of the inland sea. South of where the Great Falls Aerie was located,” he said.
    “Ahh, yes sir, I see the order for it right here,” the voice said.
    “I think there has been some kind of mistake. The scans you sent me as new, are identical to the ones I ordered two months ago. Would it be possible for you to transmit the scan I requested? It's vital to an ongoing investigation,” Warmake said.
    “I don't understand how we could have done that and I'm truly sorry it happened. I'll fill your request and transmit it myself, that way I'll know you're getting the correct one. If you'll give me a couple of units, Task Commander; I'll make sure you have the correct one. Would that be satisfactory?”
    “That would be very satisfactory. You've been very helpful, thank you,” Warmake said and closed the connection.
    As he turned back to Jance, he spoke. “There, that should get the one we asked for. They're usually pretty good about sending what was asked for.” He looked thoughtful for a moment. “Something else occurred to me, Commander.”
    “Oh?” Jance said, looking up at him.
    “In all the incidents attributed to these pirates, save the last one, the victims have been humans. That strikes me as strange; after all humans are only one of the races on this planet and not the most populace one at that,” Warmake explained.
    “I have also noted the same thing. However, that still could be simple coincidence, Task Commander,” Jance replied, frowning. “I am starting to get that feeling you told me of before; the feeling that we are missing a very important part of this puzzle.”
    “I thought it was because I was obsessing over this case too much. I am relieved you are feeling this as well. I was beginning to worry over my objectivity in this. Before you arrived, I was considering dismissing myself,” Warmake replied. ““Perhaps now I can set that aside.”
    She nodded understanding. Warmake’s species made excellent investigators, but they did have the tendency to obsess. The fact that he realized this made him exceptional. They were also built to take the most brutal punishment. TC Warmake would make an excellent Ranger, provided the military didn't get wind of him first.
    “You continue to surprise me, Task Commander. Have you ever considered applying to the academy?”
    “I'm afraid My Lord Duke would never allow such a thing. I believe you already know he has very little respect for your institution. Besides, I know my weaknesses and obsession is not a trait that makes a good Ranger,” Warmake replied, sighing.
    “This is true, but perhaps not in your case. If you would care to apply, I would be willing to sponsor you. We need more clear-heads in the Corp and knowing one’s own weaknesses is a very valuable trait,” Jance replied.
    An under commander approached the two investigators carrying a packet. “Please excuse the interruption, Commanders. I believe you wanted this right away.” So saying, he offered the packet, before bowing and retreating.
    Task Commander Warmake took the packet and nodded his thanks to the underling. However, upon opening the packet and examining its contents he grew agitated.
    “What is this? They sent us the same scan!” Warmake said and turned back to his console.
    “Commander! Please wait.” Jance said, stopping Warmake before he could once again call the surveillance section.
    “I believe another call would be fruitless.” She held up a hand to forestall